This is probably the only other brunch spot in the Capital Region that has a waiting list every weekend morning. You can always try something new at Cafe Madison (they have a new brunch specials almost every week) but their raspberry oatmeal pancakes are a signature dish and one of their most popular. Visit their website.Read the Yelp reviews.

This is probably the only other brunch spot in the Capital Region that has a waiting list every weekend morning. You can always try something new at Cafe Madison (they have a new brunch specials almost every ... more

It's been just over a year since Cider Belly Doughnuts opened its doors to downtown Albany. The freshly made and uniquely flavored cider doughnuts have become a must-visit for locals. Get down there and try to score a still-warm treat. We promise your taste buds AND wallet will both approve. Visit their website.Read the Yelp reviews.

It's been just over a year since Cider Belly Doughnuts opened its doors to downtown Albany. The freshly made and uniquely flavored cider doughnuts have become a must-visit for locals. Get down there and try to ... more

Photo: Emily Jahn/518Life

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Iron Roost is a great brunch spot in Ballston Spa but it's the waffles that attract people and keep them coming back. This cafe was even mentioned in a recent New York Times guide of places to go in Ballston Spa. The many specialty waffles there are offered as sweet or savory. Visit their website.Read the Yelp reviews.

Iron Roost is a great brunch spot in Ballston Spa but it's the waffles that attract people and keep them coming back. This cafe was even mentioned in a recent New York Times guide of places to go in Ballston ... more

Love it or hate it but Albany locals have a thing for mozzarella cheese sticks with marinara or raspberry sauce. It's one of those regional foods that make Albany stand out. The above dish is from Chrome Food & Spirits restaurant in Waterford, NY. less

Love it or hate it but Albany locals have a thing for mozzarella cheese sticks with marinara or raspberry sauce. It's one of those regional foods that make Albany stand out. The above dish is from Chrome Food & ... more

Kay's Pizza has consistently been on local "Best Of" and reader polls for years. It's the locals who vote and they do, by the hundreds and thousands. So trust your fellow Capital Region residents when they say Kay's Pizza is one of the best in the area. Visit their Facebook page.Read the Yelp reviews.

Kay's Pizza has consistently been on local "Best Of" and reader polls for years. It's the locals who vote and they do, by the hundreds and thousands. So trust your fellow Capital Region residents when they say ... more

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The sweet and savory combo of chicken and waffles is a hit or miss with most people but locals say The Flying Chicken in Troy is the best place to try out this dish and decide for yourself. Visit their website.Read the Yelp reviews.

The sweet and savory combo of chicken and waffles is a hit or miss with most people but locals say The Flying Chicken in Troy is the best place to try out this dish and decide for yourself. Visit their ... more

One of the most popular pizza shops in the area and another constant winner in reader polls and "Best Of" lists is DeFazio's Pizza in Troy. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and they offer seven kinds of pizza dough including organic whole wheat, garlic and herb and gluten-free. Make sure to bring cash before you go, they don't accept other forms of payment. Visit their website.Read the Yelp reviews.

One of the most popular pizza shops in the area and another constant winner in reader polls and "Best Of" lists is DeFazio's Pizza in Troy. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and they offer seven ... more

The Jackburger consists of a three-part sesame seed bun with cheese, burger patty and coleslaw (single or double versions available). It's the signature meal at Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In, a local institution approved by children and adults alike.Simple food, cheap prices, family atmosphere.Visit the website.Read the Yelp reviews.

The Jackburger consists of a three-part sesame seed bun with cheese, burger patty and coleslaw (single or double versions available). It's the signature meal at Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In, a local institution ... more

Photo: Philip Kamrass

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Local dishes that will please

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In the December issue of 518Life magazine — available at Price Chopper and Hannaford — a new feature is debuting called Susie's Spotlight, where we showcase dishes that delighted Times Union restaurant critic Susie Davidson Powell in recent months while she was out reviewing restaurants for Unwind.

Each month, 518Life will offer an item from each of three Capital Region restaurants that Powell has reviewed. Check out the roundup every month in 518Life, and visit Powell's blog at blog.timesunion.com/susiedp.

Susie says: "They are a curiosity, oddly satisfying though tasting of little by themselves. Preparation requires lengthy and precise spreading, pressing and cooling, preferably overnight, before slicing into sticks and frying in chickpea batter. I love to dunk them in a zippy garlic aioli. Or give them a dusting of Parmesan cheese and truffle oil."